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Sunday, December 23, 2018

Peace on Earth

The good news this Christmas in Indonesia is that the season has passed so far without any of the church bombing incidents that have marred it in the past. Moreover, it is even being allowed this year--officially, according to declaration of the top mucky-muck--for Muslims to say "Merry Christmas" (last year it was forbidden, although I don't know how many actually observed the rule). To make things even merrier, the Indonesian government is up and running, which is more than we can say for America during this holiday season. There are Christmas trees in all the malls, and Christmas carols on the sound systems, and the special police are out in force at the large Christian churches, doing their best to make sure things remain merry. I note also that there is a significant police presence at the beautiful large Catholic church not far from my house. Deck the roads with uniformed officers armed with machineguns. I have also noted during the season a very visible campaign in newspapers such as Kompas (the largest Indonesian language newspaper, I think) to educate readers about Christmas in particular and the spirit of tolerance in general.  So, I reckon, from what I see, that Indonesia has the Christmas spirit this year, which boils down to what the angel said: Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men. 

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